V.Fast Class 28.8K/26.4K/24K/21.6K/19.2K/16.8K bps (V.FC/V.34 only)
ITU-T V.32 bis 14.4K/12K/9600/7200/4800 bps (14,400 modems only)
ITU-T V.32 9600/4800 bps
ITU-T V.22 bis 2400 bps
Bell 212A 1200 bps (also ITU-T V.22)
ITU-T V.23 1200 bps with 75 bps back channel (Some United Kingdom and
European phone systems)
Bell 103 300 bps (ITU-T V.21 optional)
ITU-T V.42 LAPM error control, 1200 bps and higher
ITU-T V.42 bis Data compression, 1200 bps and higher
MNP Levels 2, 3 and 4 error control, level 5 data compression,
1200 bps and higher
ITU-T V.54 Analog, digital, and remote digital loopback testing
Fax Modems
EIA/TIA-592 Service Class 2.0 Asynchronous Facsimile DCE Control Standard (V.FC/V.34 only)
EIA/TIA-578 Service Class 1 Asynchronous Facsimile DCE Control Standard
ITU-T V.17 14.4K/12K bps
ITU-T V.29 9600/7200 bps
ITU-T V.27 ter 4800/2400 bps
ITU-T V.21 300 bps
THE SERIAL INTERFACE
The serial interface information below applies only to external modems.
Description
The serial interface is a standard developed by the Electronic Industries
Association (EIA). It defines the signals and voltages used when data is
exchanged between a computer and a modem or serial printer.
The entire standard covers many more functions than are used in most data
communications applications. Data is transmitted between the devices over
a shielded serial cable with a 25-pin male (DB-25P) connector to the modem
and a 25-pin, 9-pin, 8-pin, or custom-built connector to the computer.
NOTE: FCC regulations require the use of a shielded cable when connecting
a modem to a computer to ensure minimal interference with radio and
television.
Pin Assignments
Pin assignments are factory-set in the Sportster modem to match the standard
DB-25 assignments in the following table. DB-9 connectors for IBM
PC/AT-compatible computers should be wired at the computer end of the cable
as shown in the DB-9 column.
Serial Interface Pin Definitions
Signal Source
DB-25 DB-9 Circuit Function Computer _ Modem
1 - AA Chassis Ground Both
2 3 BA Transmitted Data Computer
3 2 BB Received Data Modem
4 7 CA Request to Send Computer
5 8 CB Clear to Send Modem
6 6 CC Data Set Ready Modem
7 5 AB Signal Ground Both
8 1 CF Carrier Detect Modem
12 - SCF Speed Indicate Modem
20 4 CD Data Terminal Ready Computer
22 9 CE Ring Indicate Modem
NOTE: A three-wire interface consists of Receive, Transmit, and Ground wires and does not support hardware flow control. Systems requiring three-wire interfaces
must use software flow control. If your system doesn't support software flow
control, use no flow control but be sure to use an error-correcting protocol.
If you're using a Macintosh computer, ask your dealer for the correct modem
cable; we recommend a Hardware Handshaking cable. (This cable is included
with the Sportster Mac&Fax modem)
Macintosh 8-Pin DIN
Signal Source
DB-25 MAC Function Computer _ Modem
20/5@ 1 Output Handshake@ Computer/Modem@
4 2* Input Handshake Computer
2 3* Transmit Data Negative+ Computer
7 4 Ground Both
3 5 Receive Data Negative# Modem
- 6 Transmit Data Positive -
- 7 Not connected -
- 8 Receive Data Positive -
@ Adds CTS capability when in Hardware mode.
* Hardware handshaking lines.
+ To do this, you must ground pin 6.
# To do this, you must ground pin 8.
Minimum RequirementsSome computer equipment supports only a few of the serial
signal functions set in the Sportster modem. The minimum required for the
modem to operate is as follows.
Minimum Required Pins
DB-25 DB-9 8-Pin
Pin Pin DIN Function
2 3 3 Transmitted Data
3 2 5 Received Data
7 5 4 Signal Ground
20 4 1 Data Terminal Ready*
* Required if DIP switch 1 is OFF for normal DTR operations, override disabled.
Additional Flow Control Functions
If your computer and software support Clear to Send (CTS) and you wish to use
Transmit Data hardware flow control (&H1), Pin 5 (DB-25) or Pin 8 (DB-9) is
required.
If your computer and software support Request to Send (RTS) and you wish to
use Received Data hardware flow control (&R2), Pin 4 (DB-25) or Pin 7 (DB-9)
is required.
For 115.2K, 57.6K and 38.4K bps Serial Port Rates
Your software and computer must support the 115.2K, 57.6K or
38.4K bps rate. Make sure the serial cable is shielded.
Cables are normally six feet long, but longer lengths are possible.
If you encounter problems with signal degradation, try a shorter
cable.
If you decide to build your own cable, use a low-capacitance cable.
To further minimize the capacitance, connect only those functions
(pins) that your application requires.
NOTE: Only V.FC and V.34 modems will support a rate of 115.2K bps.
DEFAULT SETTINGS
Data Format
Both your software and the remote system must use the same 10-bit data
format. If you don't know the setup of the remote computer's modem, phone
ahead to find out what combination of word length, parity, and Stop bit is
required.
Set your communications software to the required scheme. Some
communications programs use a kind of shorthand for formats, such as
7-E-1 or 8-N-1. The modem detects the format from the AT prefix of the
next command it receives from your keyboard or from your software.
Allowable Data Formats
Word Parity Stop
Length (1 Bit) Bits
7 Even, Odd, 1
Mark, Space
7 None 2
8 None 1
Template Settings
You can create one or two customized configurations and store one of them
at a time in nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) as your power-on/reset
default using the &Wn command. As long as DIP switch 7 is OFF when you
power-on or reset the modem, your defaults are loaded into the modem's
random-access memory (RAM). To view your NVRAM settings, use the ATI5
command.
The Sportster modem is preconfigured in the factory for the &F1 Hardware Flow
Control template settings in NVRAM as Y0, and the &F2Software Flow Control
template settings in NVRAM as Y1.
Tables on the next pages list the settings of the permanent configuration
templates &F1 (default), &F2, and &F0, as well as parameters you can modify
and store in the NVRAM configuration templates.
&F1--Hardware Flow Control Template
Factory Default
Feature &F1 Settings
ITU-T/Bell Answer Sequence B0 ITU-T sequence
Online Echo F1 Online Echo OFF
Speaker Control M1 Speaker ON until CONNECT
Pulse/Tone Dialing P Pulse Dialing
Result Code Options X4 All Result codes
ARQ Result Codes &A3 All protocol codes enabled
Serial port Rate &B1 Fixed serial port rate
Guard Tone &G0 No guard tone
Transmit Data Flow Control &H1 Hardware flow control
Modem Testing &T5 Deny remote digital loopback
Received Data Hardware Flow Control &R2 Enabled
Received Data Software Flow Control &I0 Disabled
Data Compression &K1 Auto enable/disable
Error Control &M4 Auto select
Connection Rate &N0 Variable connection rate
Make/Break Ratio &P0 U.S./Canada ratio
Volume Control (internal) L2 Medium volume
Data Set Ready (DSR) &S0 DSR always on
Break Handling &Y1 Break clears buffer; break
then goes to remote modem
The following parameters are changed via your communications software:
Stored Phone Numbers &Zn=s
Word Length 8 bits*
Parity None*
Serial port Rate 19.2 kbps*
* Initial Settings; match software settings of subsequent &W commands.
The &F2 and &F0 templates largely resemble the &F1 template. The tables
below list only those settings that differ from the &F1 template.
&F2 Software Flow Control Template
Feature &F2 Setting
Transmit Data Flow Control &H2 Transmit data software flow
control
Receive Data Flow Control &R1 Received data hardware flow
control disabled
&I2 Received data software flow
control enabled
&F0 Low Performance Template
Feature &F0 Settings
Result Code Options X1 Basic subset
ARQ Result Codes &A1 ARQ codes enabled
Serial port Rate &B0 Variable serial port rate
Transmit Data Flow Control &H0 Disabled
Receive Data Flow Control &R1 Disabled
The following parameters are changed via your communications software:
Word Length 7 bits*
Parity Even*
Serial port Rate 9600 bps*
* Initial Settings; match software settings of subsequent &W commands.
NVRAM S-Register Options
NVRAM S-Register Options Factory Setting
S0* Number of rings to answer on 1
S2 Escape code character 43
S3 Carriage Return character 13
S4 Line Feed character 10
S5 Backspace character 8
S6 Dial wait-time, sec. 2
S7 Carrier wait-time, sec. 60
S8 Dial pause, sec. 2
S9 Carrier Detect time, 1/10th sec. 6
S10 Carrier loss wait-time, 1/10th sec. 7
S11 Tone duration, spacing, msec. 70
S12 Escape code guard time, 1/50th sec. 50
S13 Bit-mapped functions 0
S14 Bit-mapped functions 0
S15 Bit-mapped functions 0
S19 Inactivity/hang up timer 0
S21 Break length, 1/100th msec. 10
S22 XON character 17
S23 XOFF character 19
S25 DTR recognition time, 1/100th sec. 5
S27 Bit-mapped functions 0
S28 V.21/V.23 fallback delay, 1/10th msec. 8
S34 Bit-mapped functions 6
S38 Disconnect wait time, sec. 0
S51 Bit-mapped functions 0 (V.FC/V.34 only)
S54 Bit-mapped functions 0 (V.FC/V.34 only)
S55 Bit-mapped functions 0 (V.FC/V.34 only)
S56 Bit-mapped functions 0 (V.FC/V.34 only)
NOTE: Bit-mapped registers have up to eight functions. See instructions
under S13 in Appendix A of the Quick Installation Guide.
* The valid range of rings that can be stored in NVRAM for S0 is 1-255.
S0=0 cannot be stored in NVRAM. Regardless of the NVRAM setting, DIP
switch 5 must be OFF for the modem to be in Auto Answer mode at
power-on/reset.
MODEM CONCEPTS
HOW MODEMS WORK
Modem is a term based on the concept of modulation and demodulation. A
modem modulates (converts) digital data (computer information) to analog
data (fluctuations in tones carried over a copper telephone wire). The
information is carried over a telephone network until it reaches its
destination, where another modem demodulates the analog signals and
converts them back to digital data so the computer there can use the
information.
This ability to use the telephone network for quick, inexpensive data
exchange is a powerful tool used by businesses and individuals worldwide
to expand business and personal networks.
MODEM CONFIGURATION
Modems come in all shapes and sizes and their ability to communicate is
based on the protocols they use, or rules they follow to perform operations
in identical ways. They may be preset or reset physically (DIP switches)
and logically (communications software) to best communicate with the modem
they are transferring information to and receiving information from.
Much of this is done automatically by the modems when they initially contact
each other. The calling modem contacts the answering modem and introduces
itself. The modems communicate via a series of signals to identify the
appropriate protocol and speed for efficient data transfer. The answering
modem either accepts the call or rejects the call. This transaction is
called a handshake.
Successful handshaking results in what is called carrier. When modems
establish carrier, your modem sends a Carrier Detect signal to your
computer, indicating that the modems are ready to transfer data. If
they fail to connect, your modem sends your computer a No Carrier message.
LINE TRAVEL
Poor line quality may cause a decrease in efficient data transmission. In
order to ensure the data sent and received is reliable, error control was
introduced by modem manufacturers. The modems check each data block
received, and if something went wrong between locations, the receiving
device instructs the sending device to resend the affected block.
Modems send information at different rates, measured in bits per second
(bps). Today, the figures can be staggering. In the most optimal
situation, the Sportster can exchange data as fast as 115,200 bps.
In most cases, though, the speed relies heavily on the ability to adapt to
line conditions at high speed. This adaptability is the most important
feature of the Sportster.
DIGITAL DATA
Modems send data via asynchronous communication. The smallest data unit
sent is made up of a defined word length (7 or 8 bits each), a Start bit
(a 0 that indicates where the data unit begins), and one or two Stop bits.
Parity bits were the typical method of controlling errors before cyclic
redundancy check (CRC) error correction, described below under Error Control.
A parity bit is either a 1 (odd parity) or a 0 (even parity), depending
upon whether the data segment has an odd or even number of binary digits.
Some systems allow mark parity (parity is always 1odd) or space parity
(parity is always 0 even). Parity bits are used less often now that CRC
is common.
The setting 8-N-1 (word length=8, parity=None, stop bits=1) has become
the most common data format in data communications. Both computers
involved in a data transfer must use the same parity, word length, and
number of Stop bits or connection isn't possible and garbage characters
will display. The software must first be set the same on the computers at
both ends of the data transfer before the modems can operate effectively.
A simple phone call to determine the settings at the other end can clear
this up quickly and easily.
The requirement to specify parity setting, even if it is None (8-N-1),
assures that users with older systems can still communicate with newer modems.
FLOW CONTROL
Another important aspect of modem communications is flow control, which
manages the amount of data stored in buffers. Buffers are used to store
information temporarily before it is passed on to a computer or modem.
Flow control is used to prevent buffer overflow. The system uses either
hardware or software (control characters) flow control. U.S. Robotics
recommends the use of hardware flow control, because actual data may be
mistaken for the control characters used in software flow control and
the data may be distorted.
ERROR CONTROL
Error control protects the integrity of data transferred over phone channels
and is available for calls at 1200 bps and above. It can be disabled,
although high-speed calls (above 2400 bps) should always be under error
control. The operations defined in an error control protocol include
the following.
∙ Establishment of compatibility
∙ Data formatting into blocks
∙ Error detection through Cyclic Redundancy Checking (CRC)
CRC is based on algorithms that calculate a value for an entire
block of data. The CRC value attached to each block sent must match
the receiving modem's calculation. If not, the remote modem sends a
negative acknowledgment to the sending modem.
∙ Positive acknowledgment of error-free blocks and negative
acknowledgment of corrupted data blocks
∙ Retransmission of corrupted data blocks
Always set the Sportster for error control, &M4 (default) or &M5, for calls
at speeds over 2400 bps. Most users communicating with V.42- or
MNP-compatible modems will want error control at 2400 and 1200 bps, as well.
The Sportster is set at the factory to &M4, causing it to try for an error
control connection and, if that isn't possible, to proceed with the call in
Normal mode. The modem first tries for a V.42 connection, then an MNP
connection. The information below is based on the Sportster's setting of &M4.
ITU-T V.42 Handshaking
The exchange of signals between two devices in order to establish a
communications link is called handshaking. ITU-T V.42 includes a two-stage
handshaking process.
∙ A Detection phase that is based on an exchange of predefined
characters.
∙ LAPM (Link Access Procedures for Modems) Negotiation. In this
phase, the modems identify their capabilities concerning maximum
data-block size and the number of outstanding data blocks allowed
before an acknowledgment is required.
MNP Handshaking
This protocol is supported by the ITU-T V.42 Recommendation. It was
originally developed by Microcom, Inc., and is now in the public domain.
MNP handshaking begins with an MNP Link Request sent by the calling modem.
If the remote modem doesn't recognize the request, error control isn't
possible.
Data Compression
If the modems successfully establish a V.42 connection, they also negotiate
for V.42 bis data compression. If they successfully establish an MNP
connection, they negotiate for MNP5 data compression.
Modems using V.42 bis compression negotiate the following options.
∙ Dictionary size--that is, the amount of memory available for
compression table entries. (Entries are codes devised for
redundant data. The data is packed into shorter data units,
called code words, and unpacked by the receiving modem.)
Possible sizes are as follows. U.S. Robotics modems use 11-bit, or
2048-entry dictionaries, but drop down if the remote modem uses a
512- or 1024-entry dictionary.
Bits Entries
9 512
10 1024
11 2048
∙ Maximum string length of each entry.
As the dictionary fills, the modem deletes the oldest unused strings.
V.42 bis compression is more efficient than MNP5 compression, in part
because it dynamically deletes unusable strings. In addition, it works
better with files that are already compressed. These include .ZIP files
downloaded from many Bulletin Boards and 8-bit binary files, which appear
to the modem to be compressed. MNP5 compression should not be used with such
files because it adds data to them, which lessens throughput. (The
additional data is stripped when the file is decompressed by the remote
modem.) When transferring such files, it's best to set the modem to &K3.
This allows V.42 bis compression to work dynamically with the compressed
data, but disables MNP5.
Flow Control
Flow control of data from the computer is required under error control for
two reasons.
1. The transmitting modem buffers a copy of each frame it
transmits to the remote end until it is acknowledged by
the receiving modem.
2. If errors are encountered, the transmitting modem must
resend the corrupted data. This retransmission activity,
combined with the steady stream of data from the computer,
can overflow the buffer.
Online Fallback/Fall Forward
Under error control, if a disturbance on the phone line causes an error to a
data block, the receiving modem replies with a negative acknowledgment. In
response, the transmitting modem retrieves a copy of the original data block
from its Transmit buffer, and every block it sent after that block, and
retransmits them. This keeps the data error-free and in sequence.
However, there is a retransmit limit: the modems hang up if line
disturbances are so severe that one of the modems has retransmitted the
same block of data twelve times without a positive acknowledgment.
Because high-rate calls are more vulnerable than transmissions at 2400 bps
and below, V.32 bis/V.FC modems risk reaching the retransmit limit and
hanging up. To prevent this, one of the modems requests that they fall back
if necessary. When line conditions improve, the modems fall forward to the
next higher rate, up to the link rate of the call.
Online fallback/fall forward is defined in V.FC and ITU-T recommendation
V.32 bis for modems. The Sportster 9600, however, is a V.32 modem.
V.32 modems fallback to 4800 bps and stay at that rate.
THROUGHPUT GUIDELINES
The following guidelines should help you to make the most of your modem's
advanced performance features. In many instances, experimentation and
experience will indicate what works best for your applications.
Throughput is the volume of user information transferred per second, without
Start and Stop bits and other overhead information. You'll obtain optimal
throughput under the following conditions.
1. Your communications software supports a fixed serial port rate higher
than the connection rate (for example, setting your software to lock
into the 38.4K bps rate, and retaining the default &B1 setting).
2. The call is under data compression.
3. You're transmitting text files. Throughput is higher for text files
than other types of files, such as .EXE or .COM binary files.
4. File transfer may be slowed down by a file-transfer protocol. Many
non-text files require a file-transfer protocol, but throughput
results vary. Certain public domain file-transfer protocols, for
example, have the following effects.
Kermit Newer versions of Kermit support packets up to 9K
and a sliding window design to eliminate turnaround
delay. With earlier versions, however, throughput
may be severely reduced due to short block lengths
(possibly under 128 bytes) and acknowledgment
turnaround time.
Xmodem Throughput may be reduced if your version uses short
block lengths, for example 128 bytes. Some versions
use blocks of 1K byte, which is much better, although
overhead (error control protocol information) still
affects overall throughput.
Ymodem This protocol is similar to Xmodem with 1K byte
block lengths, and allows multiple files to be sent
in one transfer.
The above protocols further reduce throughput during error control (ARQ)
connections. The accuracy of the data is checked twice, by the file-transfer
protocol and the modem. To avoid redundancy, disable modem error control by
setting the modem to &M0.
The most current version of Zmodem can yield the most efficiency. Leave the
modem at its error control default (&M4) and data compression default, &K1.
Zmodem performs the same kind of compression as V.42 bis; it turns off its
compression if files are already compressed.
An alternative protocol is Ymodem-G, with the modem left at its error control
default, &M4. Ymodem-G assumes the modems are handling error control.
Overhead is minimal, with throughput almost equal to that obtained with no
file-transfer protocol. However, keep in mind that Ymodem-G is only useful
if the modems are using error control. In addition, follow this
recommendation only if your machine and software support hardware flow
control.
NOTE: Both modems must use the same protocol for data transfer to take place.
WARNING: If you are using an X-, Y- or Zmodem-type protocol, do not use the
modem's software flow control.
Achievable Throughput Statistics
The table below indicates the maximum throughput, in characters per second
(cps), that can be expected under the following conditions:
* Serial port rate set at 57.6K bps; modem set to &B1
(Your software and computer must support 57.6K bps in order to use
that rate.)
* Connection (link) rate of 14.4K bps (assuming no protective fallback
to a lower speed is necessary)
* V.42 bis compression negotiated for the call, and the default size
11-bit, 2048-entry dictionary
* Straight data (that is, not already compressed, and no file-transfer
protocol)
* Transmission from a fast (for example, 386) computer
Throughput (cps) if set to 14.4K bps
File Type MNP5 V.42 bis
Assembler or Compiler listing 2880 3840
Text file 2325-2625 3400-5760
Binary file: .EXE 2175-2400 2030-2600
Binary file: .COM 2100-2250 2050-2300
.ZIP files (common on BBS's)* 1500-1650 1700
Random binary 8-bit* 1460-1575 1700
* These files are already compressed or appear to the modem to be compressed.
Additional MNP5 compression causes throughput lower than what can be expected
using MNP without compression. We recommend setting the modem to &K3 when
transferring these files, to allow V.42 bis but disable MNP5.
The following table indicates the maximum throughput, in characters per
second (cps), that can normally be expected in the same conditions as the
previous table, but with a serial port rate of 38.4K bps.